Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 1118: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Clare has been refused to start new FETAC courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24757/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Vocational preparation and training programmes, VPT, must be full-time and of one or two years duration only. Courses must conform with the format set out for VPT programmes as follows: Area of study and hours as a percentage of time; vocational studies, 400-480 hours, 50-60%, 5-6; general studies, 160-240 hours, 20-30%, 2-3; preparation for work-work experience, 160-240 hours, 20-30%, 2-3; total, 720-960 hours.

The proposed new VPT courses in community and health services child care in the college in question do not conform with the requirement of at least 720 hours per annum.

In the case of business studies, approval for a one year full-time course has been granted. However, my Department has refused approval for a similar course requiring part-time attendance over two years.

Separately, the Deputy may be interested to note that each year under the back to education initiative, BTEI, my Department will consider proposals from VECs and schools for funding for part-time courses. The BTEI provides opportunities to return to learning for young people and adults, a re-entry route for those in the workplace who wish to upgrade their skills in line with emerging needs, and with its emphasis on part-time provision, the chance to combine a return to education and training with family, work and other responsibilities.

Prioritisation of courses for delivery, in full-time mode under the VPT programme or, in part-time mode under the BTEI, is an operational matter for determination locally by the VEC.